Mon Feb 17 11:18:33 UTC 2025: ## Congress Distances Itself from Pitroda’s Remarks on China
**NEW DELHI, February 17, 2025** – The Indian National Congress (INC) has publicly distanced itself from comments made by party leader Sam Pitroda regarding India’s relationship with China. Pitroda, in an interview with IANS, reportedly downplayed the threat posed by China, suggesting India’s confrontational approach was self-defeating. He also questioned the emphasis on China as an enemy, attributing it to US influence.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh swiftly issued a statement on X, clarifying that Pitroda’s views “are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress.” Ramesh emphasized that China remains a significant challenge for India in terms of foreign policy, external security, and the economy.
Ramesh further criticized the Modi government’s approach to China, highlighting the Congress party’s repeated concerns, including questioning Prime Minister Modi’s public assurances regarding China in June 2020. He also lamented the lack of parliamentary debate on the issue.
The Congress’s January 28th statement reiterated these concerns, questioning the government’s claim of normalized ties with China in light of unresolved issues stemming from the October 2024 disengagement agreement. The statement pointed to discrepancies between government pronouncements and the reality on the ground, citing restrictions on Indian troops and graziers near the border. The party concluded by demanding answers from the Prime Minister before any normalization of relations with China could be considered.
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